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January 9, 2009
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RAVENSBURG, Germany – For the seventh time in eight years, Canada’s National Women’s Under-22 Team has won
the gold medal at the MLP Cup, defeating Switzerland 9-0 in Saturday’s gold medal game at Eissporthalle
Ravensburg.
Canada had won gold the first six years of the tournament’s existence (2003-08) before falling 2-1 in the
final game to Sweden one year ago. The Canadians got their revenge on the Swedes on Friday, defeating the
Scandinavians 4-3 in overtime in the semifinal.
On Saturday, Canada got first period goals from Jessica Wong (Baddeck, N.S./University of
Minnesota-Duluth, WCHA), Vicki Bendus (Wasaga Beach, Ont./Mercyhurst College, CHA), Bailey Bram (Ste. Anne,
Man./Mercyhurst College, CHA) and Brianne Jenner (Oakville, Ont./Canada’s National Women’s Team) as it opened
a big lead after 20 minutes, outshooting the Swiss 21-2 in the period.
Wong added her second goal of the game in the second period, while Natalie Spooner (Scarborough, Ont./Ohio
State University, WCHA) scored twice and Jesse Scanzano (Dollard des Ormeaux, Que./Mercyhurst College, CHA)
and Jennifer Wakefield (Pickering, Ont./Canada’s National Women’s Team) also added goals as Canada did all of
its scoring in the first two periods.
Christina Kessler (Mississauga, Ont./Harvard University, ECAC) made 15 saves for the shutout, her first of
the tournament.
Bram (three goals, four assists) and Bendus (two goals, five assists) finished tied for the tournament
scoring lead with seven points, and Bendus was named the tournament’s top forward. Kessler combined with
Laura Hosier (Sharon, Ont./Brampton, CWHL) to post a 1.00 goals against average and .917 save percentage
during the 2010 MLP Cup.
Canada’s National Women’s Under-22 Team will fly home on Sunday, with all players and staff returning to
their club and school teams throughout North America.
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